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<br />Project Benefits: <br /> <br />o There will be a 40 percent decrease in nitrate loading to the groundwater in the <br />watershed area. <br />o Increasing Selenium levels (microgramslliter) in the Arkansas River will be <br />decreased at the La Junta Gauging station by 43 percent and meet EPA and State <br />standards. <br />o Present salt loading from the watershed to the Arkansas River of 77,000 tons/yr. will <br />be reduced 31,100 Tons. <br />o Uranium concentration will be reduced in the Arkansas River. <br />o Irrigation induced erosion on 10,000 acres averaging twice the acceptable level will <br />be reduced to an acceptable level. <br />o Wetland and fisheries will be enhanced due to reduced heavy metal loading. <br />. Reduced sediment to the Arkansas River will help maintain the remaining channel <br />capacity for flood control downstream and reduce sediment into John Martin <br />Reservoir. <br /> <br />Other Impacts: <br />Land use. changes (acres) - NONE <br /> <br />Environmental Values Changed or Lost: <br /> <br />Wetlands and fisheries improved due to better water quality. Erosion on prime farmland <br />will be reduced to acceptable levels. Cultural Resources - the effect will be determined <br />for each individual project contract according to United States Department of <br />Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service procedure. <br />Wildlife Habitat - increase in cropland wildlife habitat value. <br /> <br />Compensatory Mitigation Included In the Plan: <br /> <br />Wetlands and wildlife losses will be mitigated on a function for function basis. <br /> <br />Major Conclusions: <br /> <br />Overall, improved surface and groundwater quality, improved human health and safety, <br />significant sediment and erosion reduction, improved water quality in Arkansas River, <br />pollution reduction to wetlands and fisheries habitat due to improved water quality, <br />improved wildlife habitat, reduced irrigation labor costs, reduced irrigation system <br />operation and maintenance time, and improved irrigation application effectiveness will <br />occur on and off-site. <br /> <br />6 <br />